POSTERS

ARTICLES FROM THE MEDICAL LITERATURE

GUIDELINES

Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport: The 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport Held in Zurich, November 2008
Journal of Athletic Training 44(4):434-448, 2009.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2707064/pdf/attr-44-04-434.pdf?tool=pmcentrez
This statement contains the latest recommendations for the evaluation, treatment and return to play decisions after a concussion. It includes the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT 2).

OVERVIEWS

Sport-Related Concussion in Children and Adolescents
Pediatrics 126(3): 597-615, 2010http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/126/3/597
Concussion can cause symptoms that interfere with school, social and family relationships, and participation in sports. Recognzing and understanding concussions are most important, because although proper equipment, sport technique, and adherence to rules of the sport may decrease the incidence and severity of concussions, nothing has been shown to prevent them altogether. Mental and physical rest is the most important treatment. Neuropsychological testing is helpful in monitoring recovery from concussion. Return to sport should be evaluated using a progressive exercise program while monitoring a player for any return of signs or symptoms.

Body-Checking Rules and Childhood Injuries in Ice Hockey
Pediatrics 117(2):e143-e147, 2006http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/117/2/e143
This study compared body-checking injuries, fractures, and concussions in boys’ minor hockey in jurisdictions where checking is allowed with those in jurisdictions where body checking is not allowed. The study found that increased injuries were observed in regions where body checking was allowed.

ASSESSMENT AND TESTING

Journal of Athletic Training 44(6): 639-644, 2009.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2775366/pdf/i1062-6050-44-6-639.pdf?tool=pmcentrez
Most athletic trainers in high school and collegiate sports administered baseline computerized neurocognitive testing to their athletes, but only half examined these tests for validity. Although virtually no athletic trainers would return a symptomatic athlete to play despite baseline neurocognitive test scores, some would return a symptom-free athlete to play despite below-baseline neurocognitive test scores.

EDUCATION

Current Sport-Related Concussion Teaching and Clinical Practices of Sports Medicine Professionals
Journal of Athletic Training 44(4):400-404, 2009.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2707074/pdf/attr-44-04-400.pdf?tool=pmcentrez
Most of the program directors and athletic trainers surveyed used a multifaceted approach to assessing and managing concussions. Even though the National Athletic Trainers’ Association position statement was the most frequently used reference for assessing and managing concussion and making return-to-play decisions, both the position statement and the Vienna guidelines were underused in classroom and clinical settings.